Is Tuna Good for You?

While going on a diet, we are careful enough of the things we eat and the calories we take, isn't it? Tuna fish can be a good option if you are looking to lose weight. Canned tuna fish has today become a popular option for people who are on a diet plan. There are several varieties of canned tuna fish like Yellowfin, Bluefin and Skipjack tuna which are available in your locality that can be used in tuna recipes. But is tuna good for your overall health? The answer is yes and no. let's take a look at the details.

Why is Tuna Good for Your Health

As far as the nutrient content is concerned, all types of tuna fish contain the same amount, except of the fatty acid. Canned tuna is an excellent source of omega-3 essential fatty acids. However, the amount of omega-3 fatty acid varies a great deal depending on whether you buy tuna canned in oil or tuna canned in water. The amount of calories in tuna you consume are higher in the one which is canned with oil. A serving of this type of tuna contains about 330 calories in a can, even after removing the oil. This includes high amounts of saturated fats which is harmful for the body. On the other hand, a single serving of tuna in water contains 90 calories per can. Of this amount most of it is protein which helps in proper functioning of the body.

One of the most important omega-3 fish oil benefits is that it helps in lowering the levels of blood triglyceride. Moreover, it lowers the blood pressure, chances of heart attack and abnormal heart rhythms. In addition to that it reduces the chances of strokes and slows down the build up of atherosclerotic plaques. It also reduces joint tenderness and stiffness which come along with rheumatoid arthritis. Besides these, having canned tuna fish helps prevent and improve conditions related to hyperactivity diabetes cancer and depression.

The only downside of having tuna fish is its mercury content. Mercury levels in the sea is quite high compared to other water bodies and since Tunas are fished in the sea, it's bound to contain high amounts of that chemical. Even though tuna is an excellent nutritious food source, it's recommended that you don't consume high amounts of it, as it may be harmful in the long run. Small amounts is always fine. Simultaneously, you can also consume foods which help the body excrete toxins like mercury so that your body always remains free of such substances.

Is Tuna Good ... ?

. . For Your Skin
If you want to improve your complexion, you can definitely go for canned tuna. The natural oils in it help in replenishing the moisture content in your skin thereby giving you a glowing look. Moreover, it also contains vitamin D which also helps in keeping the skin moist.

. . For Your Heart
Over the last few years there has been a lot of research regarding the effects of canned tuna on the heart. It has been found that omega-3 essential fatty acids found in tuna helps in preventing cardiac arrhythmia, which can lead to heart attack. It has been found that people who consume tuna fish twice a week are less prone to heart attack compared to people who has it once a month. Irrespective of whether you are on any other medications, obese, diabetic or you consume alcohol, there is no adverse reaction of consuming canned tuna fish.

. . For Your Hair
Omega-3 fatty acid is necessary for the growth of healthy hair as it helps in keeping the hair shinny, soft and growing. Omega-3 is not synthesized naturally by the body and as such it's necessary to supplement it. If your hair breaks or it's brittle and dry, it may mean that your body lacks the necessary amounts of this essential fatty acid. Make sure that you go through the small print giving the ingredients in the can, as during the process of canning, some amounts of essential fatty acids may be removed.

. . When Pregnant
If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, it's recommended that you limit the consumption of tuna. Ensure that you don't eat more than 4 mid-sized cans or 2 tuna steaks a week. It's because this fish contain mercury in their bodies, which can be harmful for the nervous system of your baby. Moreover, there are other environmental pollutants which can be harmful for your and your baby's body.

Thus, all in all, the answer is in the affirmative that tuna is good for consumption, but make sure that you limit its consumption so that mercury does not keep accumulating in your body. It's a healthy food which you can consume whenever you think of losing weight, but you need to supplement it with other nutritious foods.